Conversations with Tyler Donald S. Lopez Jr. on Buddhism
482 snips
Nov 12, 2025 
Donald S. Lopez Jr., a prominent Buddhist studies scholar at the University of Michigan, dives deep into the complexities of Buddhism. He examines the historical Buddha's 32 physical marks and the enigma of his death, pondering the real narrative behind his final meal. Lopez also delves into the theological implications of Buddhism's atheism, the unique features of Zen practice, and the evolution of its teachings in the digital age. He reflects on his journey into Buddhist scholarship and shares thoughts on adapting ancient stories to modern formats.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Buddha's Omniscience And Deep Time
- Donald Lopez explains Buddhist omniscience: the Buddha knows all past, present, and future, including future Buddhas by name.
- Buddhists even compute vast timelines (kalpas) to date future Buddhas like Maitreya.
Uncertain Dating Of The Historical Buddha
- Scholars disagree widely on the Buddha's death date, with estimates like 544 BCE from Theravada and modern scholarly ranges around 400 BCE ±50.
- The uncertainty shows limits of the textual and chronological record in early Buddhism.
The Buddha's 32 Physical Marks
- Lopez recounts the canonical claim the Buddha had 32 major marks, including odd features like webbed fingers and a retractable penis.
- These physical traits shaped consistent artistic conventions across Buddhist art.
